Murder for Hire Arrests

Clermont County, Ohio:

Sheriff A.J. “Tim” Rodenberg announced this morning the arrest of two individuals involved in a “murder for hire” scheme arranged to eliminate a witness and a seven year-old victim of a sexual assault that took place in Clermont County in May of 2008. The Sheriff said, “Investigators became aware of the alleged contract to kill the witness and victim two weeks before Michael Gray, was slated to stand trial in early September for Rape, Attempted Rape, and Gross Sexual Imposition originating from an investigation by the Goshen Township Police Department. Gray developed a plan and solicited others in an attempt to kill the child and her mother to eliminate testimony needed by the state for a successful prosecution.”

Chief Deputy Rick W. Combs said, “The case came into clear focus in the last twenty-four hours and left investigators little time to fully run down leads and put the case together. Beginning Wednesday afternoon until midnight, all available resources were used to collect evidence to substantiate the filing of criminal charges against Gray and an associate Mary Woodrey. Gray and Woodrey had been living together at 314 Carol Court, Loveland, Ohio prior to Gray’s arrest in April, 2008. We feel comfortable at this time that we have foiled any attempts or plans to eliminate the key witness and the victim in this tragic matter,” Combs said.

Both subjects are currently confined in the Clermont County Jail. On Thursday morning, August 27, Clermont County Municipal Court Judge James Shriver issued a one million dollar bond for Mary Woodrey. Michael Gray is scheduled for a bond hearing today, on August 27, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Shriver in Municipal Court, SR 222, Batavia OH, for the charge against him. Sheriff Rodenberg said the matter is still under investigation and it is possible additional individuals may be linked and charged. “I am sincerely thankful for the professional and cooperative efforts of our Deputies and the Goshen Township Police Department which thwarted deadly consequences for a young victim and witness in a serious sexual assault case.”

In order to avoid releasing any further information that might compromise the case as it proceeds through the legal process, any further inquiries or questions should be directed to the Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Daniel “Woody” Breyer, or Prosecutor Don White at 732-7313.